Philippe Coutinho & Barcelona
With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, could Philippe Coutinho leave Barcelona to return to the Premier League?
Coutinho’s future at the Camp Nou may soon be over, according to two Spanish papers.
Starting with Sport, they report that Barcelona have “started the process” of trying to sell Coutinho.
Coutinho is expected to return to the Camp Nou shortly after the summer break.
Once back, Barcelona will begin talks with Coutinho about a possible exit.
Mundo Deportivo also report that Barcelona are gearing up to sell Coutinho.
Barcelona’s secret offer
Both Sport and Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona have received an official offer for Coutinho.
Neither outlet reveals which club posted that offer.
Could Arsenal sign Coutinho?
Arsenal fans will no-doubt come across reports linking their club to Coutinho this Saturday.
It’s unclear where these rumours originated from.
However, Football London have summed up the Coutinho-Arsenal links as follows:
The Gunners are one of the clubs being linked with an interest in signing former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho on loan, with reports even suggesting that Sanllehi’s good relationship with Barcelona is putting Arsenal at the head of the race for the Brazilian.
Reports claim that the Arsenal head of football is set to meet with Barcelona officials during the two teams’ game against each other on Sunday in order to try and come to a deal.
Do Arsenal need Coutinho?
That’s a matter for debate.
Arguably, after signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille, the answer is ‘no’.
Arsenal are stocked with attacking talent: perhaps Unai Emery would be better advised to focus on trying to bolster his defensive options?
Barcelona vs Arsenal
Barcelona host Arsenal on Sunday in the Juan Gamper Trophy.
The match will be played at the Camp Nou.
It’s Arsenal final pre-season friendly before the Gunners start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle.
How much would Coutinho cost?
That issue is dealt with by Mundo Deportivo.
They report that Coutinho could leave Barcelona this summer for as little as 25-30 million euros.
Mundo Deportivo claim that that’s the loan fee Barcelona are chasing for Coutinho.
Liverpool, Man United & Man City
It’s worth noting that Jurgen Klopp has previously ruled out Coutinho’s Anfield return this summer.
On Man United and Man City’s possible interest in Coutinho, Sport claim those clubs “remain silent”.